Quillen will replace Titus on Ravenswood Council

Thursday

Sep 6, 2012 at 11:21 AMSep 6, 2012 at 12:08 PM

Sue Quillen has been chosen for a seat on the Ravenswood City Council. Don Titus has moved outside of the city limits, which eliminated Titus' from being a member of council. Quillen had next highest vote after Titus who was only 7 votes ahead.

K-J Ramirez

City Council had its regular meeting on Tuesday evening. There were moments of pride and of somberness.

Chief Lance Morrison gave his monthly report, but also wanted to talk about the two State troopers who were killed in the line of duty.

Back ground of shootings: Luke Silas Baber shot Cpl. Marshall Lee Bailey and Trooper Eric Michael Workman, of the Clay County detachment 22, of Oak Hill, near the Wallback exit in Roane County and near the Clay County line. Baber was arrested and handcuffed, with his hands in front of him, which made him able to access a 9mm Hi-Point pistol. With weapon in hand Baber and shot Bailey and Workman in the head.

Morrison read this poem with great emotion for his fallen law enforcement brothers.

Someone killed a policeman today and

A part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect

Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,

With counsel demanding his rights,

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids

And spend many long lonely nights,

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,

Just as if he had gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,

To his name they will add a gold star.

Yep, somebody killed a policeman today

In your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on the dark city street

And he stands at each rookie's side.

He answered the call, of himself gave his all

And a part of America died.

-Author Unknown

As Morrison read the poem there were tears from those listening.

Councilman Don Titus had to quit the council as he now lives in Ripley. Sue Quillin will fill the empty council chair and was supposed to be sworn in but she was absent from the meeting. Quillin was the highest candidate on the polls, with only 7 votes less than Titus.

Titus wrote a letter to council in which he stated that his house was for sale and his plans to locate to Ripley. He also sincerely apologized for not completing his council term. Titus chided council for not focusing on the issues:

"I am troubled by the lack of civility and unprofessionalism that has infected this council. It has not been fair to the people in Ravenswood or my colleagues that so much attention has been focused on the council, rather than the real issues facing the city. I am very disheartened with policies in this town. It is a shame we can't disagree without personal attack. If it means we have to destroy lives to make a point, I don't want to be a part of that kin of politics."

Drew Dormagen went before council to explain his project of decorating the town with red and black ribbons and balloons ribbons. The first time Dormagen decorated the town with the help of Kathy Garrett for the game at Hubert Hoover.

He stated that he has raised $ 1,000, which is twice the amount of his last report. Volunteers from the high school were going to help, but anyone who wanted to assist in the project is welcome to do so, by calling Dormagen at (304) 531-7075.

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